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Archive for the tag “Algeria”

Abdelkader Bensalah, the newly appointed Interim President of Algeria after the 20 year long reign of Abdelaziz Bouteflika. Bensalah is not a rookie, he is a vital part of the regime, whose been running the Republic. His not a new figure, as he has been the President of the Senate and therefore, isn’t a reforming figure or someone who really ushers in change.

Even if the Parliament have appointed him the successor of Bouteflika, that doesn’t mean the public nor the demonstrators are accepting this fate. As they will not feel that this is enough. This is just switching one similar head with another. There will be no significant change with Bensalah as President.

They have gotten rid of the President that was trying to surf into a fifth term, Bouteflika, but his party and his cronies are still lingering in power. The same army officials and the ones, whose intent of changing leadership. Means they are losing their wealth and credentials, which they cannot risk to lose at time.

By law, Bensalah can only be in power for 90 days. We will see if his the pawn for Noureddine Bedoui, whose the current Prime Minister. Who two days ago nominated his cabinet after the President stepped down only 7 days ago.

Therefore, this is happening fast, but expect the party of Bouteflika and the army to configure the basics. As they are trying to find their way for a “change” that is only on paper, but maybe not in reality. A new possible head, but no particular change or reforms for the public to see.

This would be with the leadership of Bedoui or even Vice Prime Minister Ramtane Lamamra. Both of them could be scheming something behind the scenes. That is why they are getting rid of Benesalah, as he cannot by law or the constitution run for office. An only lead the Republic for 90 days.

That is why it seems like they are working behind the scenes to usher in some of the strong-men and secure the foundations made. Not ensure the voices of the streets or the ones who stood up in the revolution to get rid of Bouteflika. However, the same people still have the same party and state machinery behind him.

Let’s see how this goes, but don’t expect the army nor the state machinery to change, even with a Invisible President Bouteflika out of the picture. There is no change with Benesalah, significantly it wouldn’t be much change with Bedoui or Lamara. They are all part of the same structure and leadership.

We just have to see, if the revolution get rid of the party or if it just gives way from one tyrant to the next. We can hope not, but we have seen this elsewhere. You get if rid of known predator, but get another one. Peace.

“… the young people are the ones who most quickly identify with the struggle and the necessity to eliminate the evil conditions that exist.” – Malcolm X

The Invisible President Abdelaziz Bouteflika whose been the head of state since 1999. He has had 4 terms and was preparing for re-election on the 14th April 2019. This would mean he was at the age of 82 years old and in a wheel-chair, preparing for yet another term. As he would seek to rule in absence for another 6 years. The amazing level of 5 terms for a man, who wasn’t really prepared or fit to be there.

However, after three weeks of demonstrations and of public riots and acts, which been acts of defiance against the planned re-election. He has decided to step-down. Setting up a technocratic government and preparing for a transition.

Who knows what the National Liberation Front (FNL) is planning nor the other powers at play, as the party is still there and is used to power. Even with the possible fall of Bouteflika, whose should have gently retired a long time ago. Because of advanced age and the stroke of April 2013, which have made him less mobile. Still, even with that, the FNL and the ones around have kept him in power. Now, they are certainly planning to make measures around to hold on to power.

That is why the army and the high-ranking individuals will create new functions and conferences, to ensure they are moving along, while the pre-electorate prepares for an election. Surely, the Algerian public got rid of the 82 years old dictator.

Since the FNL is trying to change with a new Prime Minister Noureddine Bedoui, the former minister of interior and Ramtane Lamamra named Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. That also happen today, as the official news agency of Algeria dropped a photo of the President and General Gaid Salah, which could implicate the military involvement in the scheme of things.

We don’t know how this will go or if the FNL together with the army is planning a transition in favour of them. So, that the state apparatus of FNL keeps pumping and steaming ahead. Even with all of this, we should all continue to support the public for their audacity to stand up against the dictatorship. To stand up against the ruler of 20 years. Someone who is not fit to reign. The public had the courage and bravery to stand up and show their voices. In the end, they got their will, as the FNL and President was prepared to continue like before. However, the public wasn’t having it.

The peaceful mass protests and the mass demonstrations in Algeria is showing the force of the people, when they are going together and showing their voice. However, we will see how the FNL and army will act now. They have already started to change up, but we will see if they are capable of doing. As the FNL is getting rid of their invisible President. Now, they will try transit into another legitimate leader on their terms.

Lets see if the public will accept that or go into the streets for their choice of leader. Not just the one who the FNL and the army wants to have in charge. That is what we should be afraid of at this point. Because, that is what they do, if they get the opportunity to do so. Not listening to the will of the people, but get their position in the aftermath of the reign of Bouteflika. Peace.

President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, the Algerian President since 1999 and whose 82 years old. Who is now seeking re-election for his fifth term. The current day president has been staying in power and part of government until coups in the past. He used a Coup in 1965, when he helped Houari Boumedienne unto power, which also gave him a noble ministerial post of the Foreign Minister. From 1965 until 1979 when the President died. Bouteflika lost power, as the army picked another man for the presidency and an corruption case in 1981. Put him in self-inflicted exile.

However, his time in power and ability to gain office wasn’t over. After waiting from his return in 1987 until 1999. He won an election and never looked back. After that he has won elections, in 2004, also in 2009. The third term was made possible, because they changed he Constitution so he could stand another term. While the latest election done in 2014 was marred with rigging and 90% of the votes. Also, there was already speculation of his heath back then, as the President was known for his stroke during April 2013. Which means, that his deteriorating health has been an issues since 2013 and is now 6 years of it.

Therefore, with the knowledge of 2013, there was reporting of him going on periodical medical treatment in Geneva, Switzerland. That is why his condition does sound stronger, but with age, it shouldn’t get better either. That is part of ageing. Your body is weakening, and with one stroke already. The weakness and tiredness is already possibly in the bones. That is why he need specialized treatment.

What is special, as that the President is such a vital person in the Republic. Bouteflika is the Head of State and the President. He has already been mentioned as the Invisible President and that might be righteous. Since, he isn’t really mentioned for anything in the recent years.

Who knows what the invisible guy does in Algeria. As he is the supposed rule since 1999, the former Foreign Minister of old. The 82 year old man, who plans to rule another extended term. Who knows whose the big-man behind him and who possibly controls the situation. As the ageing and the lack of health clearly cannot ensure the vision nor the energy to run the Republic.

Also, this President will be known for lifting the State of Emergency in 2011, as the President gazetted it in February 2011, to end the one that had started back in 1992. Therefore, he has done something, but that doesn’t justify his continued rule. Like he is the only man who can rule Algeria. Certainly, there are plenty more fish in the sea, who has as much capacity as him.

It cannot only be him dictating life and controlling it, by force or by being invisible. The President is really special, as there is a planed election in April 2019 to continue rule. That is a man who want to be President for life. A man who took power after massacres and made dozens of amnesties. Seen several of killings over the years and total silence. As the state controls the media and everything else.

We can wonder if the reconciliation and peace deals made during his presidency will matter, if the unanswered questions on all the disappeared people before and after he took power. The pardons and the other agreements done with the military. All of the deals that ensure the President power and keeps him there. Also, when will be his next press conference and a public speech?

Reports from the UN International Organization on Migration (IOM) “suggest that Government forces are now approaching the town of Maiwut, 25 kilometres north-west of Pagak”.

WASHINGTON D.C., United States of America, July 13, 2017 – Thousands of South Sudanese civilians are fleeing to neighbouring Ethiopia as Government troops advance on a rebel stronghold in the Upper Nile region, a senior United Nations official today said, expressing grave concern about what is already the world’s fastest growing refugee crisis.

Reports from the UN International Organization on Migration (IOM) “suggest that Government forces are now approaching the town of Maiwut, 25 kilometres north-west of Pagak. I’m gravely concerned by this ongoing situation,” the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in South Sudan, David Shearer, told reporters from Juba, the capital.

He added that while it is unclear which side began the fighting, the military advance by the South Sudan forces “is not in the spirit of the unilateral ceasefire” declared by the Government in May.

Mr. Shearer said there has been “active military engagement” over the past week north of Pagak, and at least 25 aid workers have relocated in the area as a result of the insecurity.

The senior UN official, who is also the head of the UN Mission in the country, or UNMISS, also voiced great concern about an orphanage near Torit, south of Juba, surrounded by Government and rebel fighters who are preparing to fight.

“It’s unacceptable that 250 innocent children, and the people who care for them, find themselves in no-man’s land between the warring parties,” Mr. Shearer stressed.

Requests by UNMISS to access the Hope for South Sudan Orphanage have been denied “locally, on the ground.”

The Government forces central command in Juba yesterday gave UNMISS “the go-ahead to send peacekeepers to the orphanage. I’m hopeful that will happen today,” he added.

Mr. Shearer urged both sides to reflect on President Salva Kiir’s Independence Day message of peace and withdraw from the facility.

In addition to accessing the orphanage, a group of Nepalese peacekeepers have been sent to protect civilians and the UN base in Torit.

“The number of patrols we can undertake in the town will increase with the additional peacekeepers. In turn, that should provide more security and boost confidence,” said Mr. Shearer.

He noted that his deputy, Moustapha Soumaré, is travelling to Torit tomorrow and will report back.

To date, Abyei has no police service system in place and there is no functioning joint local administrative structure.

ABYEI, South Sudan, July 12, 2017 – The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) condemns all attacks perpetrated by unknown armed groups in Abyei Area which resulted in deaths and injuries of civilians.

UNISFA expresses its deepest condolences and sympathy to the family of the victims and vows to investigate swiftly the attacks with the Joint Peace Committee, the traditional leaders, as well as Sudan and South Sudan governments, and bring the perpetrators to justice.

UNISFA emphasizes its commitment to implement its mandate to secure Abyei Area and to protect civilians under imminent threat of physical violence, without prejudice to the responsibilities of the relevant authorities.

To date, Abyei has no police service system in place and there is no functioning joint local administrative structure. The absence of these systems has resulted in the increase of criminal cases.

The current influx of population in Abyei has contributed towards increased economic and social activities in the area. The unemployment among the youth is a cause of concern which also leads to manifestation of crime in various forms.

In light of the recent incidents, UNISFA has stepped up its security measures particularly in and around Amiet common market which is a vital economic hub for different tribal groups including Ngok Dinka and Misseriya. Most of the criminal incidents in recent months have taken place in the vicinity of the common market.

The last two months have seen an upsurge in cases of cattle-rustling, carjacking attempts and robbery/shooting incidents. In May, a grenade exploded in Amiet market resulting in injuries to some civilians.

UNISFA reaffirms that criminality in all its forms is a serious threat to the security situation in Abyei Area.

UNISFA urges all communities and groups to support the Mission in its efforts to maintain the degree of peace and stability that Abyei has been experiencing over the last two years. The criminal activities should not deter the significant progress made towards improving relations between the Messiriya and the Ngok Dinka communities.